Re: [Paddlewise] "Just In Case" Night Lights

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 01 Nov 1999 17:19:47 -0800
Philip Torrens wrote:
> 
> >From: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
> The light that you should reach for in your PFD and attach to you is
> >the new Eco-Flare from Princeton-Tec (it is also called Sea Star in some
> >packaging).  The light is minute since it uses just 2 AAA batteries and
> >weighs next to nothing (1.5 oz. with batteries).

> Good reminder Ralph about the importance of night lights. Princeton Tech
> have made for some years the "Sportflare" which is sounds basically like the
> Ecoflare, but with 2 AA batteries. I don't have the specs on the burn time
> but I assume they are longer. This would allow you to simply buy one unit
> rather than mixing and matching. I also find my Sportflare makes a good
> no-fire hazard "lantern" around camp and in my tent.
> 
> Philip Torrens
> N49°16' W123°06'

Yes, I spoke of that Sports Flare in the rest of the article that I did
not post to PaddleWise as I was looking just to talk about emergency
lights rather than lights for deliberate night paddling.

The Sports Flare is very bright, lasts longer than the 2 AAA Eco-Flare. 
I suggested using the Sports Flare with a headlamp by having it
velcro-strapped to the back of the headband where the horizontal
headband meets the one that comes over the top of your head.

There are several possibilities with the Cone that comes with the Sports
Flare.  First of all, Princeton sells them separately for a few bucks
and the will fit on ALL current Princeton AA battery powered lights
(while it comes in a variety of cone colors, the only one to get is the
white as it gives the brightest light and won't be confused with any
navigational light).  Unlike earlier when the Cone went right over the
flashlight cap of the Tec 20 or 40, the setup now is for the Cone to
replace the flashlight cap.  The reason for this is that they modified
the flashlight caps a year or so ago.  It means that you would have to
change the flashlight cap on the run or be forced to leave it on your
flashlight.  The old way let you just place the Cone over the flashlight
cap and thus not have to make switches while out on the water.

BUT there is an upside to the modification Princeton made.  If you wish,
you could use the Cone to replace the flashlight cap of the Princeton
headlamp.  You will resemble a Unicorn but you will be safer.  Or, if
you also use a Sports Cone light at the back of the headlamp's strap,
you will look like a Viking who had a bit too much to drink and has his
helmet on sideways.

Getting back to the subject matter, Just In Case Lights, I recommended
the smaller AAA Eco-Flare for all paddlers because it is something small
yet powerful that weighs next to nothing and which you can string two of
on your PFD to always have with you in case you got caught out in the
dark unplanned. That was the thrust of my posting.  Sports Flare cum
Headlamp is something a bit harder to fit on your PFD or person,
although I am now doing part of this with the Lotus Design Strait Jacket
and the added pocket you can put on the back (I have a Sports Flare
there but not yet a headlamp).

ralph diaz
-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Mon Nov 01 1999 - 14:27:01 PST

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